F1 to vote on ‘Halo’ protection next week for 2017

F1 is preparing to vote on the issue of whether or not to introduce the ‘Halo’ cockpit protection for 2017.

In the drivers’ briefing in Hungary, Charlie Whiting and FIA officials showed a presentation that included shocking images and figures that said survival chances increase by 17 per cent with the controversial system in place.

The strategy group will vote next Thursday in Geneva on whether to introduce Halo, and sources report that the commercial rights holders and some teams will vote for a delay of at least one year.

Toro Rosso driver Daniil Kvyat admitted in Hungary that the FIA presentation was “very convincing”, but he said he is yet to be fully convinced.

“I don’t know if, with the introduction of Halo, we are going too far,” said the Russian.

“I may be tempting fate, but I have often said that, coming to the track, I am aware that this could be my last day at work. It seems that now that feeling is dulled.

“I’m not acting like a hero, but after all we are in the race for the fans and for formula one — it is also a show. That is why it is so popular,” said Kvyat.

Germany’s Auto Motor und Sport claims the strategy group will vote next Thursday on the third development of the ‘Halo’, after Red Bull’s alternative solution called the Aeroscreen was scrapped completely.

The report said that in the latest tests, a flying wheel broke the Aeroscreen and struck the dummy driver’s head.